Cheap Dating Tips

By: Charlie Johnson

Taking someone out on a date does not always have to be fancy or expensive. Often, less expensive options mean that you have a better chance of getting to know each other. Also, trying to find an inexpensive date idea gives you an opportunity to show off your creative side and impress your date with your versatility and imagination.

Going to a local park for sightseeing or a nature walk is an affordable and fun option for a date.

Homemade Dinner

If you are a good cook and enjoy making food for other people, a home-cooked meal is one of the best date ideas. It is less costly than eating out at a restaurant, and you can cater to your dates personal preferences, rather than being restricted to a set menu. Also, this is a great chance to impress her with your culinary abilities. To add a more romantic and intimate touch to the meal, dim or turn off the lights and set lit tea-light candles around the room.

Nature Activities and Outdoor Sports

If you or your date are avid sports or outdoors people, this is a good idea for an inexpensive date. Bring a soccer ball or volleyball to a local park or beach and have a friendly one-on-one game. If there is a good park or hiking trail nearby, going on a walk together gives you a chance to have a conversation and get to know one another better. If you have the option of escaping from city lights, an offer to go star-gazing is romantic and fun.

A Picnic

Organizing a picnic is an inexpensive way to spend time together where you can both relax, whether you go as a couple or with others. Simple picnics are usually the best, and bringing along some fresh bread, cold cuts, vegetables and fruit makes a simple but healthy meal. Take it to your favorite park and people-watch while discussing anything that happens to cross your minds.

A Movie

Going to see a movie is a classic date option and is not usually too expensive. One option for avoiding pricier movie theater tickets is to go to a local art house cinema or a film group at a nearby college or university that offers free or discounted tickets. Going to see a movie together also gives you an automatic topic of conversation afterward.

Local Community Listings

Check your local community listings for free or moderately priced events regularly for fun and spontaneous ways to spend time together while also participating in your community. Community listings can include previews for a local theater troupe, group cooking classes and outdoor activities, such as nature hikes and recent exhibitions at local galleries and museums.

References

About the Author

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Charlie Johnson began writing professionally about music and food in 2006. She has worked in the food service industry since 2003 and has been a professional musician since 1998. She writes about music, food, cooking, education and travel. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Music degree from McGill University.